It hardly seems possible but the festive season is fast approaching so it’s time to think about getting dressed up for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties! I’ve long been a fan of Matalan’s affordable party wear so I was delighted to be chosen as their blogger of the month. I was invited to style a dress, bag and shoes from the new range, which was my cue to jump on one of this season’s key looks: moody florals.

The key to finding a print that flatters lies in the proportions of the print. Petite frames can be overwhelmed by large patterns, whereas taller frames can carry a bold design.

This enduring trend turns bold and dramatic for A/W, with big flowers set against a dark backdrop. Go all out head-to-toe in floral print for maximum impact like I have, or stick to wearing it on either your top or bottom half. The key to finding a print that flatters lies in the proportions of the print. I love a bit of old fashioned glamour so I was instantly wowed by this gorgeous dress. The length is really flattering, falling just above the ankle to showcase my party sandals. The icing on the cake is the pockets…oh how I love a dress with pockets, and I know I’m not the only one! The fabric feels luxurious and the cut of the dress is exceptional. I feel like a million dollars in it!

When the occasion calls for a more adventurous alternative to black or nude accessories, opt for metallics…they go with just about everything.

When the occasion calls for a more adventurous alternative to black or nude accessories, opt for metallics. I treat metallics as neutrals because they go with just about everything. These strappy silver sandals look so much more expensive than £18. They are a wide fit making them incredibly comfortable. I feel like I could dance all night in these! Best of all is the zip at the back so you don’t have to do and undo the straps every time you put them on or take them off.

I chose a silver glittery bag to match the sandals. It has a detachable strap so you can use it as a clutch (or you could just tuck the strap inside). It’s big enough to hold all the essentials for a night out – phone, lipstick, money – and at £6 it certainly won’t break the bank.

Do you love the “moody floral” trend? What are you planning to wear for the festive parties? I love to read all of your comments!

A statement jacket is an incredibly useful item to have in your wardrobe. In a hurry in the morning? No problem – just sling a bright and bold blazer on over a black outfit and you’re good to go! A few weeks ago I shared my Shein wishlist, and of course this tribal print jacket was included. With so many colours in the print you don’t have to stick to black like I have. I tried it with red and blue trousers but decided on black to make the colours stand out. The jacket would also work over a fitted dress in a solid colour for a more formal look, or jeans and a t-shirt if you wanted to keep it casual.

I don’t wear head-to-toe black as much as I used to because it can drain the colour from my face – something that happens as we get older – but colourful accessories or a jacket help to offset that.

I don’t wear head-to-toe black as much as I used to because it can drain the colour from my face – something that happens as we get older – but colourful accessories or a jacket help to offset that. This Shein tribal print jacket is thin enough to wear under a coat when the weather gets colder but also serves as an eye-catching transitional cover up. I accessorised with gold jewellery and shoes, plus this fun little bag from Zara.

Shein has some great on-trend pieces at very affordable prices. I particularly love the jackets and skirts. You can see how I styled another jacket from the wishlist here. If you’re thinking of ordering something do check the size guide because the sizing is different to UK measurements.

What’s your favourite way to make a fashion statement? I love to read your comments!

I can’t remember when my obsession with jewellery started, I think maybe I was born with it. As a little girl I was mesmerised by sparkly necklaces and rings. Over the years I’ve acquired quite a collection, mostly costume jewellery which is fun to wear, but I really treasure the special pieces. This Eternal Collection Akoya pearl and black Cubic Zirconia necklace is one of those pieces. When Eternal invited me to choose an item of jewellery to review I browsed the website for ages, wondering how on earth I was going to choose from so many beautiful pieces. However, after much deliberation I finally decided on the Akoya pearl and cubic zirconia necklace. It will go with so many outfits and I love it’s understated elegance.

Pearls are incredibly flattering to all skin tones and add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Pearls are incredibly flattering to all skin tones and add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The single Akoya pearl sits at the centre of the flower, surrounded by jet black Cubic Zirconias. The pendant hangs from a sterling silver diamond cut box chain with a hallmarked lobster clasp fastening. I chose a simple black dress with a deep v-neck to wear with it so I could show it off to full effect.

The Eternal Collection costume jewellery online store was established in 2007 and is owned and run by husband and wife team, Paul and Pauline Buttress. Paul and his team make about two thirds of the jewellery, while the in-house ranges are complimented with beautiful items sourced from around the world, including a stunning range of Murano glass necklaces and earrings.

The team will adjust lengths of necklaces on request, fit alternative clasps and change types of earring fitments.

The necklace arrived in a beautiful box with a lovely handwritten note. I thought that was a lovely gesture. In fact Eternal have been an absolute delight to collaborate with. Pop over to the website and have a browse, I guarantee you’ll love the jewellery! The team will adjust lengths of necklaces on request, fit alternative clasps and change types of earring fitments.

Standard UK delivery is only £2.50, which I think is very reasonable. You could start your Christmas shopping early!

Happy Friday! Today I’m sharing with you another dress from Bonmarché’s new arrivals. In my last post I wore the jersey floral tea dress that’s featured in the new TV advert. Staying with floral print, I also chose a more formal dress from the new collection. This pretty floral sateen dress is perfect for a party or a wedding. It’s a very flattering length ending just below the knee. I find some fit and flare dresses are too short for me but this one is just right.

The deep V at the back offsets the high neckline nicely, and makes it very easy to zip up without dislocating your shoulder!

The dress is really comfortable and feels very light. It’s made of cotton sateen with 2% elastane for a little bit of stretch. The deep V at the back offsets the high neckline nicely, and makes it very easy to zip up without dislocating your shoulder! You could really show it off to maximum effect by wearing your hair up and adding some drop earrings.

I chose a red beaded bib necklace to break up the top half because a high neckline can look blocky when you’re busty.

As I have a long torso and very big rib cage (thanks for that mum!) the waistband of the dress sits quite high on me, so I added a belt for extra definition. I chose a red beaded bib necklace to break up the top half because a high neckline can look blocky when you’re busty. To avoid going over the top with accessories I decided on simple red suede court shoes and a roomy bag rather than a clutch.

The print is a navy base with peach and coral flowers so accessories in either of those hues would look good with the dress. I tried a few different colours but preferred the contrast of red.

It certainly feels like Autumn now…there’s a chill in the air and the shops are full of new season clothes. It’s time to dig out the tights and boots! I dusted off a pair of my favourite ankle boots to wear with this Bonmarché floral tea dress – one of the new arrivals for A/W. The length is really flattering – I’m 5’7″ and it falls just below the knee on me. I could wear it without tights too in warmer weather. The neckline is not too low, making it appropriate for work, and it has a tie to cinch in the waist for definition. I have a long torso so the belt sits quite high on me. It’s made of soft jersey fabric so it’s really comfortable.

The change of season doesn’t mean floral print is off limits. Choosing a print with a dark base colour makes it appropriate for Autumn/Winter.

The pattern was the thing that really caught my eye with this dress. While we may naturally associate floral print with Spring/Summer, there’s no reason why it can’t work during the colder months. The change of season doesn’t mean floral print is off limits. Choosing a print with a dark base colour makes it appropriate for Autumn/Winter. I added a splash of colour with my yellow bag.

Bonmarché has launched its A/W collection with the Own the Day campaign. It’s all about empowering women and inspiring confidence. Keep a look out for the TV advert, it’s very funny…and you’ll see this dress make an appearance!

I have another dress from Bonmarché’s new collection to show you later this week. Pop over to the website and check out the new arrivals…there are some gorgeous coats, as well as fabulous knitwear and classic separates!